Genus Styrax: A resource of bioactive compounds

Abstract Genus Styrax belongs to the family Styracaceae, which is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions and has been applied in pharmacological uses and food chemical products. Original research articles related to Styrax plants are now abundant, but there has not been an overview account to demonstrate the highlights in phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of Styrax constituents. This chapter compiles a full list of secondary metabolites from this genus, along with their pharmacological effects. Herein, 165 isolated compounds are summarised with diverse chemical structures, and lignans and triterpenoids can be seen as major components. Pharmacological studies have introduced the use of Styrax components in anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammation, antimycobacterial, antiaging, antivirus HIV, and antischistosomicidal activities, estrogenic biosynthesis, etc. Regarding food chemistry, several Styrax plants can also be good candidates to provide essential oils and nutrient content of protein, especially benzoin resins.